Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY235454 Inspection date 11/05/2010 Inspector Mary Kelly

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 2002. She lives in the Sparkhill area of Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor, except the childminder's bedroom is used for childminding. There is access to a fully enclosed communal garden for outside play. The childminder's home is accessible via a level entrance at the front.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is willing to offer all day care, but currently provides a before and after school service and takes children to the local park. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for three children. The childminder is currently minding three children on a full-time and part-time basis, two of whom are within the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in children's care and development and attends many relevant training courses and holds a current first aid certificate and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are lively, confident and well cared for by this experienced childminder. The childminder plans and provides many good opportunities for children to learn and develop in the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring they make good progress, she is endeavouring to ensure that she is reviewing observations and assessments for the children. All aspects of the six areas of learning are well covered. All children are welcomed and supported by the childminder who appreciates their individuality and uniqueness. Effective partnerships ensure children’s needs are met and information is exchanged. The childminder is committed to ensuring ongoing improvement of her service, and has embraced the evaluation systems.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop a systematic and routine approach to observing children and use assessment to plan the next steps in children’s developmental progress  review the risk assessment in relation to outings.

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the early years provision

Safeguarding is given good attention as the childminder is fully aware of her duty to protect children in her care. She has a very good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. By attending safeguarding training, ensuring her knowledge is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 up-to-date, the childminder has developed detailed procedures that cover reporting procedures, allegations and shares this information with parents and carers. Children play safely within the welcoming environment because the childminder is vigilant and ensures all adults undergo Criminal Record Bureau checks to confirm their suitability. Detailed risk assessment covers all areas of the home, however, the risk assessments for outings were briefly covered. Through discussion it became evident that the childminder has a good understanding of how to ensure the children are safe when on outings and she has identified that these need to be

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the early years provision

formalised. Children's attendance is clearly recorded and reflects their arrival and departure times. The childminder is part of the inclusion project and demonstrates a positive attitude to inclusion. She encourages children to develop understanding and sensitivity to each other's cultural backgrounds and/or medical needs. The childminder is well organised and makes good use of the available space in her home consequently, children respond well to the familiar routine, choose freely from the plentiful number of resources and direct their own play.

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the early years provision

Parents and carers receive very clear information that is pertinent to their child. Parents and children report that they are extremely pleased with the service and level of communication and feel reassured with the rapport the childminder makes with their children. The childminder has devised and reviewed an effective set of policies and procedures. Settling-in procedures are flexible and children comment that they feel settled and enjoy coming to the childminder’s home. The childminder is experienced and established in the local community; consequently good, effective partnerships are in place to ensure information is exchanged on a regular basis. The childminder has made a very positive start in evaluating her practice and she discusses with the parents and children to gain their opinion about the childminding service. She has taken on board all areas of her setting and has given it clear thought, which enhances the quality of care further. The childminder is

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the early years provision

clear about her plans for the future and embraces training opportunities, advice and guidance to enhance her practice.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage because the childminder has fully embraced the framework and continues to develop her knowledge accordingly. The childminder plans a stimulating, learning programme for all children that includes visits to the local library and nature centre. Children’s progress is recorded in a very pictorial manner and currently does not detail how children can be moved to their next steps for learning. Children proudly shared their scrap books with the inspector and each other, recalling their memories of activities, such as making cakes and biscuits.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has daily detailed conversations with parents and carers helping to keep them informed about children’s progress and exchange information regarding the children. All children are welcome within the home and the childminder has given great consideration to how to ensure her resources reflect positive images by allowing the children to access many positive images and celebrates many cultural festivals with the children. The childminder has honest, open discussions with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children about diversity and differences.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is aware of procedures that are required to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and would liaise with parents and specialist professionals to ensure children receive appropriate support. The childminder manages children’s behaviour very well, giving them time and space to calm down if required consequently, children behave very well and play cooperatively together the resources and are able to negotiate the sharing of the dressing-up costumes.

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and outcomes for children

All children show good social skills as they socialise while they are eating, say 'please' and 'thank you' appropriately and courteously talk about their day at school. One child was very eager to share the news regarding her 'First Holy Communion' in a few weeks time. Children have access to a wide range of resources and were very keen to play interactive bingo. Even the youngest child was able to identify the number in the game and play without support from the other children or the childminder. Children enjoy creative activities, especially drawing and painting, creating artwork with skill and care. The childminder has given good consideration to the sustainability of resources as children use recycled materials in art and craft session. The children eagerly recalled how they enjoyed planting seeds and watering them last year. Overall, children have good opportunities to develop skills to support their future learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children’s welfare is well promoted as the childminder has clear systems in place for recording accidents and medication. The childminder is proactive in ensuring her first aid training and food hygiene certificate are up to date. Detailed documentation is in place to support children’s needs. For example, record cards indicate children’s medical history and any specific individual requirements. The childminder ensures she has up-to-date contact numbers if a child has an accident or becomes ill whilst at the setting. Children talk about feeling safe whilst at the childminder's home and are aware that it is not safe to walk on the furniture. Fire safety is well considered and children practise evacuation procedures and receive certificates after they have taken part in the drill. Children are developing a good understanding hygiene practice as they are encouraged to wash their hands when they come in from school and prior to eating snacks. Healthy eating is encouraged

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and outcomes for children

and children are provided with meals such as chicken curry and pitta bread, followed by yoghurts and fresh fruit. Children can have drinks at any time to quench their thirst. Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise as the childminder makes good use of the secure play area where she lives and regular trips to the park where children can play team games, such as ball games and swing ball. Whilst at the park they also have opportunities to play on large climbing equipment to refine their balance. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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